Male student enters OB room. What do you think?

[truckinusa]

I was doing my OB clinicals and entered a patient's room to deliver a food tray. Stupid move on my part, but it got me a complaint from the patient and kicked out of my OB class. I'm allowed to repeat next year.

[hayest]

I agree, if I was the woman in labor, I would also get upset. I recently had surgery and a month ahead of time I called the hospital with a few requests. My requests were NO Male Nurses, No Students, No Representatives in the room. I asked for the least amount of people in the room. The only men allowed were the surgeon, my doctor and the anesthesiologist. My requests were honored. I was pleased. I actually was awake with no sedation so I knew what was going on. I did have an epidural/spinal. I could not see everything, but my doctors had orders from me that if they saw a male walk in, they were to kick him out. I had to spend an extra night in the hospital and they had to move me to a different unit due to some complications. I made sure the nursing who was calling over to transfer me knew I did not want any male nurses. Back to the post --- I would be upset too.

[PapaBearRN, BSN]

I agree, if I was the woman in labor, I would also get upset. I recently had surgery and a month ahead of time I called the hospital with a few requests. My requests were NO Male Nurses, No Students, No Representatives in the room. I asked for the least amount of people in the room. The only men allowed were the surgeon, my doctor and the anesthesiologist. My requests were honored. I was pleased. I actually was awake with no sedation so I knew what was going on. I did have an epidural/spinal. I could not see everything, but my doctors had orders from me that if they saw a male walk in, they were to kick him out. I had to spend an extra night in the hospital and they had to move me to a different unit due to some complications. I made sure the nursing who was calling over to transfer me knew I did not want any male nurses. Back to the post --- I would be upset too.

May I ask why? I understand there are still many people who feel this way. I would just like to hear your side about the issue. No judgement and no wrong answer. Thank you!

[truckinusa, BSN, LPN, RN]

Headed to my first OB rotation in a few hours. I will let you know if I am allowed in a room.

I wouldn't be too worried. I asked this question because this was the main accusation that got me kicked out. I inquired further and was told the hospital no longer welcomes me at clinicals so therefore I am kicked out. There was some history that made it stick.

Here is the formula to getting kicked out:

1. Past history of being written up. (I don't know why, but nursing school will write you up for being late to class or any other minor offense)

2. Running your mouth (I said a few things that I don't believe were offensive, but they upset the instructor. Keep your mouth shut and smile a lot)

3. Show up on time (I wasn't late, but This will kill you in a heartbeat)

4. Stick with your assigned patient especially in OB. (If I did it again I wouldn't bother to do anything for any other patients unless I was followed by a female nurse)

[OwlieO.O]

Sounds like you could sue. Just cause you're a male doesn't mean you don't get to take care of women. I was in OB helping with a pelvic exam and ROM not too long ago. No issues.

[RNrhythm, BSN, RN]

I heard in California it is illegal for a male nurse to work on an OB floor. I would question why I even need the training?

That is not correct. We had plenty of male students, myself included, in L&D, plus doctors and one male nurse who worked there for years. Male OB nurses are rare but not unheard of. My L&D rotation required that we be present for at least one birth. The only minor quibble was that some younger first-time moms were shy or had cultural requirements that male nurses not come in the room. They were always very polite about it.

[Red Kryptonite]

May I ask why? I understand there are still many people who feel this way. I would just like to hear your side about the issue. No judgement and no wrong answer. Thank you!

I'm curious too. Apparently men with MD after their name are acceptable, but men with RN are not. Why the difference?

I mean, if it's that big a deal, there are female surgeons and anesthesiologists, you know. Why not demand female doctors as well?

And as the person who said I'd probably get upset with OP, I thought it was clear that it would be for the staring/acting weird. Not just for being male.

[WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I'm curious too. Apparently men with MD after their name are acceptable, but men with RN are not. Why the difference?

I mean, if it's that big a deal, there are female surgeons and anesthesiologists, you know. Why not demand female doctors as well?

I have to say from personal experience I have never had a male GYN and never will. I actually don't see male doctors at all because they make me uncomfortable (stemming from a past experience with a male doctor). However, if my only option is a male doctor or RN, I'm probably not going to kick them out of the room. They could probably care less about my vag, they see so many. I don't think a lot of women realize that...

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

I'm curious too. Apparently men with MD after their name are acceptable, but men with RN are not. Why the difference?

I mean, if it's that big a deal, there are female surgeons and anesthesiologists, you know. Why not demand female doctors as well?

And as the person who said I'd probably get upset with OP, I thought it was clear that it would be for the staring/acting weird. Not just for being male.

I agree to this! I have a male OBGYN & I prefer him to the female OBGYN I had before him. And I don't care who is in the room (as long as they are suppose to be there) as long as my baby comes out safe & is healthy.

[Red Kryptonite]

I have to say from personal experience I have never had a male GYN and never will. I actually don't see male doctors at all because they make me uncomfortable (stemming from a past experience with a male doctor). However, if my only option is a male doctor or RN, I'm probably not going to kick them out of the room. They could probably care less about my vag, they see so many. I don't think a lot of women realize that...

That's perfectly fine, and your right. But you're consistent.

I just wonder about those who refuse male nurses, but happily accept male MDs, looking at, touching etc. the exact same body parts.

[truckinusa, BSN, LPN, RN]

That is not correct. We had plenty of male students, myself included, in L&D, plus doctors and one male nurse who worked there for years. Male OB nurses are rare but not unheard of. My L&D rotation required that we be present for at least one birth. The only minor quibble was that some younger first-time moms were shy or had cultural requirements that male nurses not come in the room. They were always very polite about it.

I was mistaken. Up the thread somewhere I said this was one of the most recent states to still ban this practice as recent as 10 years ago.

[truckinusa, BSN, LPN, RN]

That's perfectly fine, and your right. But you're consistent.

I just wonder about those who refuse male nurses, but happily accept male MDs, looking at, touching etc. the exact same body parts.

I just wanted to note that we are specifically prohibited from performing lady partsl exams as students. I would assume this is nationwide and for insurance reasons.

[WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

That's perfectly fine, and your right. But you're consistent.

I just wonder about those who refuse male nurses, but happily accept male MDs, looking at, touching etc. the exact same body parts.

I agree. That is what I don't get. It's still a guy so if you refuse a male nurse, you should be refusing a male doctor for the same reason. I really feel for male nurses and students, because I feel they get the short end of the stick (especially in OB).